How do you choose a coffee grinder?

Question

I've been using a blade grinder, which either completely powders the coffee or partially powders and leaves the rest whole beans. I've read that the preferred type is a "bur milling" grinder, but these vary in price from $30 to a couple hundred. How do I choose a grinder that will give me something besides powder.

Answer 1

I will have to agree with Mazzy Star on this one.  Burr grinders, while more expensive, are much better at grinding coffee to a consistent grind than their blade type counter parts.

Other than using burrs (grinding wheels) to grind coffee, choose a grinder for its features.  Some of them have automatic measurement systems, that grind what you need, and no more.  This is good because roasted coffee in whole bean goes stale in about 2 weeks, while ground coffee will go stale in a matter of hours.

Burr grinders can be a bit on the noisy side when in use, so look for one that has an insulated motor housing if that is a concern. The bottom line, you get what you pay for.  I am not sure I would pay a couple of hundred dollars for a burr grinder... choose a mid priced model, and you will probably get good value.

One more thing.  If you are planning on grinding "flavored" coffee beans, AND non flavored beans, you may want to consider purchasing 2 grinders.  The flavor oils in the flavored coffees coat the grinder and will cross contaminate the non flavored coffees.   This is especially important if you are really into the high end coffees.  Nothing like paying $30 per pound for an exotic high end coffee, only  to have it taste like hazelnut.

~enjoy!

Answer 2

Buy the most expensive...and even better if it is made in Germany or Italy, as are most products..............check out the Pavoni coffee machine site...........remember go for the green beans in a sack, and dont buy to many bags as they can go off in a short time.

Answer 3

Unfortunately most people make their selection bases on price. Some people make a choice after considering 'style' or how it will 'look in the kitchen'.

I have had several different grinders in the past 10 years and all were replaced after a year or less because they didn't perform as claimed or they just plain gave out.

I finally decided to listen to a few 'experts' in the coffee industry and selected a MAESTRO PLUS for use at home. The 'experts' I refer to are Tom at SWEET MARIA'S and the good folks on the 'List' of Sweet Maria's. Not only is the unit a great piece of equipment (manufacturing wise) but actually does what it claims it will do. I get a consistent grind from Espresso to French Press with the grinder. It has made a great difference in my home roasted coffee taste.

I also convinced the folks at work to purchase the MAESTRO also and we are thankful we did. While using a Costa Rican bean a small stone found it's way into the grinder and caused damage to the gears. Most grinders on the market would 'check' the grinder to determine if it was a production error. I contacted the Folks at BARATZA (the manufacturer of the MAESTRO) and they informed my that the unit was still under warranty. They asked for my address and sent a replacement with instructions on returning the broken unit, post paid, with no cost to me. AND the replacement unit is deleivering even better performance than the original.

The unit originally cost us $125.00, but it also save use $125.00 for get a quality grinder.

Hope this helps...

Also posting a couple of links below

Answer 4

I have a BaRun, coffee grinder, that I have had for years, it was not expensive and it works well for me.

Answer 5

I have a Barista coffee grinder.  It's relatively small and has been working for years.  My daughter use to work at Starbucks and bought this from Starbucks as a gift for myself and my husband.  I'm not sure of the price because like I said it was a gift but I'm sure she got a good employee discount on it as my daughter is a real bargain shopper.  Starbucks kinda introduced me to flavored coffees which are really great, however Starbucks is rather pricey.  I now buy flavored coffee and grind the beans myself for a really good cup of coffee.

Answer 6

to be honest, I don't really know!!  All I know, is that a burr grinder is the best....and as for brands, i chose KRUPS because it has a good reputation.

I will star this question in hopes that my coffee connoisseur  friend will answer for you.  He will be able to give you the best answer for your question.

( just give him time to answer..hes still sleeping right now!!) LOL